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Living with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 25

A very rare inherited condition with poor coordination and nerve damage that mainly affects feeling.

Understanding Spinocerebellar ataxia type 25

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 25 (SCA25) is a very rare type of dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia.

It is marked by poor coordination and prominent nerve damage that affects feeling (sensory neuropathy). Other features can include high-arched feet, scoliosis, crossed eyes and jerky eye movements. It can start at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Poor coordination when walking
  • Nerve damage with less feeling
  • Reduced reflexes in the legs
  • Jerky eye movements (nystagmus)
  • High-arched feet and scoliosis
  • Reduced sharpness of vision

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in PNPT1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    National Ataxia Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: National Ataxia Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with National Ataxia Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the PNPT1 gene confirm this diagnosis?
How should nerve damage and feeling loss be monitored?
Should the eyes and spine be checked?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesPNPT1

GARD lists changes in the PNPT1 gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: sca25

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Spinocerebellar ataxia type 25GARD ID 9996 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Spinocerebellar ataxia type 25.

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